Powered audio system, these with amplification and inputs inbuilt, have been round for many years, but it surely took a very long time to get an all-in-one stereo system that labored seamlessly together with your TV like a soundbar. Klipsch’s awkwardly named system, The Fives, had been the primary powered audio system I attempted that did it proper, and so they’re nonetheless among the many greatest you’ll discover for the cash.
Like a soundbar, The Fives supply each wired and wi-fi audio inputs, together with HDMI ARC connection for fluent communication together with your TV. That permits you to conveniently management energy and quantity together with your TV distant and simply change to different sources like a built-in phono enter on your turntable, optical enter for a CD participant or older TV, and Bluetooth with aptX for music streaming. There’s no Wi-Fi onboard, which limits your streaming choices, however the system remains to be suitable with a cell app for Settings and EQ management over Bluetooth LE. The built-in subwoofer output even enables you to improve to a 2.1 system with any powered sub. It’s a reasonably candy deal, particularly at this worth.
Most significantly, The Fives serve up clear, wealthy, and dynamic audio efficiency. That is the minimalist sound resolution for music lovers, buying and selling the constraints of plastic, pint-size soundbars for full-size audio system. With classic seems to be and tactile controls, they’re additionally devilishly trendy. Loads of nice bookshelf audio system with HDMI connection have popped up round The Fives, but when you will discover them at this worth they’re very robust to beat.